WORKS of art from European masters will go under the hammer in one of the region's auction houses this month.

Tennants, in Leyburn, North Yorkshire, has several paintings that could fetch more than £50,000.

Among the star attractions in the company's biggest ever sale is Bath Time, a painting by 19th Century Italian artist Giovanni Battista Torriglia, which is expected to go for £40,000 to £60,000.

The artwork is one of several from Ravensthorpe Manor, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, which are being sold following the death of their owner.

Another painting by Dutch artist Willem Koekkoek could raise more than £100,000.

Tennants picture specialist Allan Darwell said it was a pleasure to handle paintings of such quality.

He said: "It uplifts my spirits, and I hope they go to a good home where they will be appreciated and someone will get a lot of pleasure from them."

Other items include silver beakers made by 18th Century British designer Paul Storr, which the company is expecting to fetch several hundred pounds.

The beakers will be auctioned on Wednesday, November 17, while the paintings will be auctioned on November 24, 25 and 26.

Published: 09/11/2004